Fes travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Fes, Fès-Meknès, Morocco.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Fes.
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- quiet highland picnic spot, birdlife and open views
- lakeside picnic areas
- birdwatching in winter
- walking paths
- seasonal cafes
Dayet Aoua Lake
Editor’s tip. Do not plan on swimming; water levels and shoreline conditions vary and it is not a standard bathing spot.
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- local family beach with a historic kasbah and grilled-fish cafes
- wide sandy Atlantic beach
- kasbah of Mehdia
- seaside cafes and grilled fish
- seasonal lifeguards
Mehdia Beach
Editor’s tip. Swim only where lifeguards are present and heed flags; Atlantic currents here can be strong.
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- lively urban beach beneath a historic kasbah, with surf schools
- sandy city beach
- Kasbah of the Udayas next door
- promenade cafes
- surf schools nearby
Rabat City Beach
Editor’s tip. Swim only in lifeguarded areas; Atlantic swell and currents can be strong.
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- family-friendly resort beach, calm and shallow, busy in summer
- long sandy Mediterranean beach
- resort hotels and marina
- beach cafes and restaurants
- family-friendly shallow water
Saidia Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit in June or September to enjoy warm water with fewer crowds than July and August.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Fes’s coast.
Can visitors swim in Dayet Aoua Lake?
Swimming is not a standard activity at the lake. Water levels vary, the shoreline is muddy or stony in places, and there are no lifeguards, so it is best enjoyed for walks and picnics.
From the Dayet Aoua Lake editorial.
How far is Dayet Aoua from Fes?
The lake is roughly 75 km south of Fes, about 1.25 hours by road. A grand taxi to Ifrane costs around 30–50 MAD per seat, followed by a local taxi to the lake.
From the Dayet Aoua Lake editorial.
How do visitors get from Fes to Mehdia Beach?
Take the ONCF train from Fes to Kenitra, about 2.5 hours and 70–130 MAD, then a local taxi of about 20 minutes. Driving covers roughly 240 km.
From the Mehdia Beach editorial.
Is Mehdia Beach safe for swimming?
Swimming is possible in summer, but Atlantic currents can be strong and the water is cool. Visitors should swim near seasonal lifeguards and follow posted flags.
From the Mehdia Beach editorial.
How long does it take to reach Rabat City Beach from Fes?
The ONCF train to Rabat Ville takes about 3 hours and costs roughly 90–170 MAD, followed by a short taxi or tram ride. Driving covers about 200 km.
From the Rabat City Beach editorial.
Is the beach good for surfing?
Yes, surf schools operate nearby and conditions are generally best in autumn and winter. Beginners should take lessons and surf under supervision.
From the Rabat City Beach editorial.
How do visitors get from Fes to Saidia?
Take a CTM coach or ONCF train to Oujda or Berkane, then a grand taxi to Saidia. The trip takes roughly 5–7 hours, so a multi-day stay is best.
From the Saidia Beach editorial.
Is Saidia Beach good for families?
Yes, the water is shallow and generally calm, and the town has hotels, cafes and a marina. It is a popular family holiday destination in summer.
From the Saidia Beach editorial.